TAXI DRIVERS NEED PROTECTING FROM ABUSIVE PASSENGERS

WE have carried reports in the past about the council clamping down on rogue taxi drivers.

This is absolutely right because they are in a position of trust and can be responsible for vulnerable people ­— whether it is women on their own, or passengers worse for wear after a a night out.

But taxi drivers themselves are also at risk, on their own with up to four passengers they don’t know, in their vehicles.

They have reported verbal and physical abuse and now the police and council have joined them to launch the No Excuse for Abuse campaign.

On a daily basis, drivers in the town are suffering verbal abuse ­— which includes racism ­— and damage to vehicles, all of which will now be immediately reported to the police.

As with emergency services personnel, council and hospital staff, etc, taxi drivers should be safe at their place of work and earn a living without being threatened or attacked.

This is especially important in the busy festive period when there is a surge in demand for taxis ­— and those who responsible for aggression are relying on the same drivers to get them where they want to go.

Just as passengers expect to be kept safe during their journeys, the drivers taking them deserve the same protection.

While drink may play a part in some instances of aggression, there is no excuse for racist abuse and offenders should face the full force of the law.